Switching DataFlex DBMS Contexts
Syscob Export-It and Export-It Plus employ the DataFlex Database Management System [DBMS] in three different versions: DataFlex for Windows 3 [FLX], Visual DataFlex 5 [VD5] and Visual DataFlex 7 [VD7]. Other software, such as Arrow™ accounting, may also use versions of the DataFlex DBMS. Since each version of DataFlex stores its settings in a different location (and does not enforce the use of different “workspaces” for different applications) there can be conflicts between Syscob and other applications. There may also be cases where it is desired to switch between different databases in either, or both, Syscob applications.
Switcher is a Windows® application that allows changing drive letter assignments, application shortcuts and other settings for four [4] possible application suites:
- Both Export-It and Export-It Plus; or
- Only Export-It; or
- Only Export-It Plus; or
- Neither Syscob application (used for “foreign” packages like Arrow™).
Each application runs in a DataFlex DBMS “context” that is defined by Registry settings and/or “INI” [Windows® PrivateProfile] files plus folders containing shortcuts. Switcher allows for quick changes between predefined contexts. This tool may be downloaded by clicking here (or from the Misc. Utilities category of the Syscob Tools Repository) and saving the executable. After download a Windows® shortcut should be created to run Switcher.
Running Switcher Initially
When is run for the first time it will open a 720x540 pixel window that looks like the following example in Windows 7. On subsequent executions it will remember the window location, size and the position of the divider between left and right panes from its previous use.
Simple “help” is available at any time. Press the [F1] key (function key 1) to display the help dialog seen in this next example:
To close the help dialog press the OK button.
Selecting, or Deselecting, a Context
The left pane, which will initially be empty (as above) shows the list of all defined contexts. Selecting an entry in this list will cause its information to be displayed in the right pane. Here is an example of the window, with eight [8] contexts defined, that illustrates selection of a context:
Of course, the up and down arrow keys can be used to move between contexts in the left pane, but the example above shows selection with a mouse click. When a selection is made (indicated by highlight of the context name in the left pane) the window will look like the following example. The right pane indicates which Syscob applications, if any, are included in the context and the files which define it:
To deselect a context simply select another one or click in an empty location in the left pane list as in this example:
Using the Switcher Utility
Four [4] other pages, accessable via the menu bars at the top and bottom of each page, explain the use of this utility:
- Define Context shows how to define a new context.
- Delete Context explains how a context can be deleted.
- Switch Context illustrates switching to a context.
- Update Context allows altering a context definition.
However, the intent of the Switcher design is that use is intuitive. The application conforms to Microsoft User Interface Design guidelines and all controls have “tooltips” [popup guidance].
For implementation details, primarily of interest to IT staff, refer to the Technical Info topic. This describes Registry usage, file types and contents plus the technical prerequisites for use of the Switcher utility.